Staff Reporter

Shillong, Feb 16: Governor Phagu Chauhan today said the government once again reiterates that it is open to talks with the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) within the Indian's constitutional framework and in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Addressing the first day of the Assembly's budget session, Chauhan said that the Government is committed to bring lasting peace to the state.

"It is mportant to secure peace for ensuring prosperity of the citizens," he said while adding that the overall law and order in the State was peaceful during the previous year.

The governor also informed that following the signing of the historic memorandum of understanding in 2022 for six areas of difference, the process of survey has been initiated to demarcate the interstate boundary.

The Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya met again in May 2023 to initiate the process of resolving the dispute in the remaining six years of difference.

The Regional Committees have conducted meetings with their Assam counterparts and the process for resolution of the remaining six areas is on track, he said.

Further, Chauhan also informed that the Home (Police) department has augmented the district level police infrastructure and police housing. The Fire Emergency Services are being strengthened on priority.

He said that the long pending recruitment to 1,010 vacant posts were completed last year thereby augmenting the police force. Over 3,000 vacancies in various ranks of the Meghalaya Police will also be filled up in a timebound manner, he added.